What is the process called when fire spreads in air along surfaces or through solid materials?

The process of fire spreading in air along surfaces or through solid materials is referred to as flame spread. This term specifically describes how flames extend from a burning surface to adjacent materials, driven by various factors such as heat transfer, surface characteristics, and ventilation. Flame spread is a critical consideration in fire safety and engineering, as it influences how quickly a fire can grow and travel, potentially impacting evacuation strategies and firefighting efforts.

In contrast, heat transfer refers to the mechanisms through which thermal energy moves, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. While this concept is indirectly related to how flames may spread, it does not specifically address the act of flame movement itself. Fire propagation usually encompasses the entire process of fire development, including ignition and growth, rather than focusing solely on the spread of flames. Burning progression might describe the stages of combustion but lacks the specificity of flame spread in terms of how flames move along surfaces and materials.